BOISE -- The House voted to curb urban renewal agencies' eminent domain powers after a northern Idaho lawmaker argued these organizations could use the threat of seizure to coerce private property owners' cooperation.
Before Tuesday's 47-18 vote, Rep. Bob Nonini of Coeur d'Alene argued that urban renewal agencies have grown too powerful and unaccountable to voters.
His bill would limit their condemnation powers and forbid them from inspecting properties without owners' permission.
Democratic lawmakers and Republicans from Idaho Falls opposed the bill, on grounds that limits on urban renewal agencies' powers approved during the 2011 Legislature were sufficient.
Rep. Bill Killen of Boise said Nonini's measure unnecessary restricts local government as it attempts to remedy blighted areas.
The measure now goes to the Senate, where it could face a tough fight.
